2026 Genesis GV70 Review: Big Screen Upgrade Keeps This Luxury SUV Ahead Of Rivals

For the last four years, Genesis has seen success thanks to the launch of the Genesis GV70. This compact SUV undercuts German rivals such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 while offering comparable power, technology, and luxury. Offering a sporty SUV with both four- and six-cylinder powertrains is enticing, but the competition has moved on with various hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. There is an EV with the Electrified GV70, which is seen more as a separate model. Still, the GV70 has remained one of the best-rated vehicles in its segment. Prices have crept up since its introduction in 2022 to the point where the highest trim, the 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD, is over $70,000. For 2026, Genesis refreshed the GV70, with the biggest change coming from a 27-inch widescreen display that spans both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. It retains its sporty silhouette, luxurious interior, and excellent driving dynamics.

The refreshed Genesis GV70 retains the large grille with a cross-stitched diamond pattern, along with a large Genesis crest grille and various air intakes. The twin-light LED design is slimmer than the pre-refreshed model. Top-of-the-line Sport Prestige models receive an updated set of 21-inch five-spoke wheels. This GV70 came in a $650 Mauna Red paint color. The silhouette still has Porsche Macan vibes, with the roof tapering at the rear and a large spoiler. At the rear, Genesis is spelled out with similar large twin-stripe taillights and a button under the rear wiper to activate the powered tailgate. One minor change for this trim is the exhaust tips, which swap from circular to triangular. Most exterior changes are minor, but the GV70 still retains its excellent design.

Inside The Genesis GV70

Hop into the Genesis GV70, and the first thing you notice is the Sevilla Red and Obsidian interior. This vehicle came with too much red. Thankfully, the red paint can be paired with either a black or beige interior. Cross-stitched Nappa leather seats are highly comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage for the driver. All materials are top-notch, with aluminum and carbon fiber trim. Steering wheel controls include paddle shifters, buttons for media, and various driver aids, along with controls for the heated steering wheel. In front of the driver is the new and large 27-inch OLED display. Both screens are highly customizable and bring the GV70 more into the modern age of oversized screens. Sport Prestige models are the only models with a head-up display, which is very crisp. The infotainment system comes with built-in maps, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Interestingly, the Apple CarPlay screen can be placed in front of the driver. Housed in an oblong design is the start/stop button, along with volume controls and quick-access buttons for maps, navigation, media, and more. 

Although Genesis uses capacitive buttons for the climate control, they’re easy to reach and have enough tactility. Under the climate control, in the carbon fiber trim, are metallic buttons for the 360-degree camera, auto-hold, and drive modes. Next to the driver are two dials. The first is a smaller dial to control the infotainment system, while the second, closer to the driver, is for the transmission. Wireless charging is now located almost under the center console. The passenger’s seat controls are also on the side for easy adjustment. A panoramic sunroof and excellent-sounding Bang & Olufsen sound system come standard on the Sport Prestige. Rear passengers receive climate control buttons, along with heated seats for the outer positions and sunshades. The seats can recline, which helps with head space. USB-C ports and a regular power outlet also come with this trim level. Genesis includes a highly usable key fob with remote start and Smart Park features, but for this vehicle, it required quite close proximity to use. When using remote start, the heated or ventilated seats or heated steering wheel need to be manually turned on, which is a bit of an oversight. Genesis retained the high build quality and luxurious features for the GV70, which definitely beat competitors from Lexus and Acura.

Under The Hood

Powering the 3.5T versions of the GV70 is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic and AWD, the GV70 3.5T accelerates from 0–60 MPH in around 5 seconds. Various drive modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. Adaptive suspension comes standard with the V6 models, which gives the GV70 a comfortable ride. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the engine has more than enough power in any driving situation. This is still one of the most fun SUVs you can drive, but there is a large penalty in fuel economy. On mixed driving, this engine returned around 20–22 MPG, which is significantly worse than competitors. Hopefully, an update with some sort of hybridization would help with fuel economy. The technology is relatively easy to use while driving, and safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera, cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

The Genesis GV70 range starts at around $49,000 for the 2.5T inline-four and $65,000 for the 3.5T. Top-of-the-line 3.5T Sport Prestige models come in at $72,000, which is dangerously close to competitors from Germany and Japan. As exciting as the V6 is, the 2.5T inline-four retains similar performance while delivering better fuel economy at a better price point. The pick of the range would be the $57,000 2.5T Advanced, which comes with heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and an updated sound system. Whichever trim you choose, the GV70 is still one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market and is highly recommended.

Quick Facts: 2026 Genesis GV70

• Vehicle segment: Luxury compact SUV
• Model refresh: Updated for the 2026 model year
• Notable upgrade: New 27-inch widescreen OLED display combining gauges and infotainment
• Engine options:
  • 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four
  • 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
• Top engine output: 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive available, standard on 3.5T
• 0–60 mph (3.5T): Around 5 seconds
• Drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Custom
• Interior highlights: Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, driver massage, Bang & Olufsen audio
• Safety tech: Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera
• Fuel economy (3.5T): Approximately 20–22 MPG combined
• Starting price: Around $49,000
• Top trim price: Around $72,000 for 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD
• Best value trim: 2.5T Advanced

FAQ

What is new on the 2026 Genesis GV70?
The biggest update is a new 27-inch widescreen OLED display that combines the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, bringing the GV70 in line with newer luxury rivals.

Does the 2026 GV70 offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid options?
No. The GV70 is currently offered with gasoline engines only, with the Electrified GV70 sold as a separate electric model.

How powerful is the Genesis GV70 3.5T?
The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.

How fast is the Genesis GV70?
The 3.5T AWD model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds.

What is the best Genesis GV70 trim to buy?
The 2.5T Advanced offers the best balance of performance, features, and price, delivering strong luxury content without the high cost of the V6 models.

How does the GV70 compare to German rivals?
It undercuts rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 on price while offering comparable luxury, technology, and performance.

Is the GV70 fuel efficient?
The V6 models return lower fuel economy than competitors, averaging around 20 to 22 MPG combined, while the 2.5T delivers better efficiency.

Is the Genesis GV70 recommended?
Yes. Despite rising prices, the GV70 remains one of the strongest luxury compact SUVs thanks to its design, interior quality, and driving dynamics.